Designed for read-intensive applications such as Web hosting, cloud computing and data center virtualization, the Intel DC S3500 Series has been designed to replace traditional hard disk drives (HDD).

The new SSDs combine 20nm Intel NAND Flash Memory technology with SATA 6 Gb/s interface support to deliver sequential read speeds of up to 500 MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 450 MB/s and a tight distribution of input/outputs per second with low maximum latencies. Random read performance can go up to 75,000 input-output operations per second, according to Intel.

The Intel SSD DC S3500 Series also includes data protection features to address IT and data center professional's concerns of data loss. Built-in capacitors provide a short period of backup power to the drive allowing it to finish operations in the event of power loss. The drives also use 256-bit AES encryption for data protection.

The new SSDs will be offered in capacities ranging from 80 GB to 800GB and both 2.5 and 1.8 inch form factors. Available through Intel distributors and resellers, the Intel DC S3500 Series is offered at the suggested channel price of $115 for a 1.8-inch 80GB drive and $979 for a 2.5-inch 800GB drive. It is also accompanied by a 5-year warranty.